As Toronto’s population grows, there’s a compelling case to be made for densifying centrally-located sites that are well-served by transit and public amenities. A proposed development in North York is promising to do just that -- and then some.
On Monday, a zoning by-law amendment application was submitted to the City on behalf of Novi Properties in support of infill development at a site off Cedarcroft Boulevard, just north of Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue West. The site in question, 25 Cedarcroft Boulevard, is currently home to a 13-storey apartment building containing 132 rental units, a large surface parking lot, a fenced-off lawn area with an adjacent playground, and an above-ground entrance to a single level of underground parking. Novi’s proposal would introduce an additional 29-storey apartment building on the subject site and at-grade improvements to the existing 13-storey structure.
SvN Architects + Planners
If approved, the 29-storey development would contain 259 apartment units, 21,236.80 sq. m of residential gross floor area, 823 sq. m of indoor amenity space, and 272 sq. m of outdoor amenity space. The existing 13-storey building would see renovations to the interior amenity space and laundry room, the addition of bicycling parking, an additional level of underground parking, and a new rear lobby entrance connecting the southern portion of the building to its new amenity space.
In addition, Novi Properties has proposed a number of improvements to the public realm, meant to modernize the existing “tower-in-the-park” planning and design framework. This will include the addition of a rain garden, an upgraded playground, and a multi-use path connecting Bathurst Street to Antibes Drive. SvN - Architects + Planners will plan and execute the design of the new building, as well as the improvements to the existing building and public realm.
Rendering: SvN Architects + Planners
According to the planning rationale, the proposed improvements to 25 Cedarcroft Boulevard will “transform an underperforming large site into a modern pedestrian-oriented space that prioritizes connection, safety, comfort and vibrancy,” and is “a tremendous opportunity to bring the site into the 21st Century.”
The proposed changes to the 25 Cedarcroft Boulevard site are currently under review by the City.
